Retractable Sensor Lens Cleaning for Airflow-Isolated Vehicle Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
On-board vehicle sensor systems face issues with lens obscuration due to environmental conditions and substances, leading to reduced efficiency and potential damage from cleaning fluids or debris, which can also affect other vehicle components.
Innovation Solution
A retractable sensor lens system with a cleaning assembly that directs waste and debris away from the vehicle's viewing panels and occupants, utilizing a cover to conceal the lens during cleaning and separate it from external airflow, allowing for efficient and self-contained cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor lens is exposed to the environment for sensing, then the sensing function is improved, but the lens becomes obscured by environmental conditions and substances
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor lens is made retractable, allowing it to dynamically change position between an extended state for sensing and a retracted state for protection. This dynamic mechanism enables the lens to be pulled into a chamber when not in use or when cleaning is required, reducing exposure to environmental contaminants while maintaining sensing capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary protection by retracting the lens into the chamber before environmental obscuration occurs. The cover can be positioned to conceal the lens in advance, preventing accumulation of debris and substances that would otherwise obscure the lens during vehicle operation.
2Ease of operation
If the sensor lens is cleaned while exposed to airflow, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but cleaning fluids and debris are directed towards viewing panels and occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful elements (cleaning fluids and debris) are extracted from the general vehicle environment by containing the cleaning operation within a dedicated chamber. The chamber isolates the cleaning process, allowing fluids to be directed safely toward the base supporting the vehicle rather than toward viewing panels or occupants.
Solution Approach 2:
The chamber acts as an intermediary structure between the cleaning assembly and the external environment. It provides a controlled interface where cleaning can occur effectively while mediating the direction of fluids and debris away from sensitive areas through dedicated drainage paths toward the base.
3Reliability
If the sensor lens is retracted into a chamber for protection, then the lens is protected from environmental hazards, but the sensing capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lens positioning system is dynamic, allowing the lens to extend from the chamber when sensing is required and retract when protection is needed. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to switch between protective and operational states, maintaining both lens protection and sensing capability at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens alternates between retracted and extended positions in periodic cycles based on operational requirements. During periods when sensing is not active, the lens retracts for protection; during sensing periods, it extends to maintain capability. This periodic action ensures both protection and productivity are achieved over time.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, system-implemented methods, computer-implemented methods and/or computer program products are provided that can facilitate movement and/or cleaning of a sensor lens of a sensor system for a vehicle body. In one embodiment, the sensor system can comprise a sensor lens having a retractable portion that is moveable at least partially into and out of a chamber. The sensor system also can comprise a cleaning assembly configured to clean the retractable portion disposed within the chamber and at least partially separated from airflow exterior to the chamber. According to another embodiment, a sensor system for a vehicle body can comprise a moveable sensor lens, a cover, and a cleaning assembly configured to clean the sensor lens at least partially concealed by the cover from an environment about the vehicle body.